Anthropometric measurements of neonates are an important clinical tool for diagnosis of abnormally small or large neonates. This study aimed at finding the means of the anthropometric measurements among newborn babies in Khartoum state and to relate the tendency of the anthropometric parameters to maternal and paternal factors. This observational hospital-based study was carried out in 3 hospitals in Khartoum. Birth weights, crown-heel length and head circumference were taken from term neonates and questionnaire-based interviews were conducted with the mothers. Means of the sample and their associations with maternal and paternal factors were calculated using SPSS. In addition, the means were compared to WHO- MGRS (World health organization-multi growth reference standards). It was found that the average male newborn weighed 3.16kg with a range of 2.4kg to 4.1kg, measured 48.91cm in length with a range of 46.1cm to 51.4cm and measured 34.74cm in head circumference with a range of 32.3cm to 36.9cm. As for the females, the average newborn weighed 3.11kg with a range of 2.1kg to 4.2kg, measured 48.49cm in length with a range of 45.1cm to 51.7cm and measured 34.16cm in head circumference with a range of 32.3 to 36.4. These values were found to be statistically significant when compared with the WHO- MGR. We conclude that there was a difference observed in relation to Sudanese neonate's anthropometric parameters compared to WHO-MGR standards. Growth charts specific for Sudanese neonates are urgently needed.
Key words: Anthropometry; Sudan; head circumference; length; newborn; weight
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